Readers Respond: Having Hip Replacement Surgery

Responses: 46

A joint replacement surgery is a major surgical procedure. Deciding when the time is right for hip replacement can be a challenging decision. How did you decide it was time for hip replacement? Or, what is telling you to wait for your hip replacement procedure?

I've waited too long

I'm 34. I fractured my hip almost 16 years ago to the day. It is absolutely time to go ahead with a THR. I was told 3 years ago that I needed a THR but put it off because I thought I was too young and was scared of limited activity. I realize now that I'm limiting my activity without it and I risk not getting the full benefits of a THR the longer I wait. I'm in pain daily. I can barely get my shoe and sock on, bend over properly, or even get in and out of my sedan very easily. I take Mobic daily and only came to the realization that I cannot function without it when I was unable to get a refill for 2 weeks. I have an appt in 2 weeks and it is the longest wait ever! Now that I have decided to follow through, it can't happen soon enough. I'm tired of this pain being a factor in everything I do and a hindrance to daily activities. Sitting hurts, lying down hurts, and my 'good' side is suffering due to constant compensation. I've waited too long and I'm excited for my future!

—Guest Melissa

Amazing to be pain free!!!

I had my right THR 2 1/2 years ago at age 37. I waited 3 years after being told I had bone on bone arthritis in both hips because I was terrified!! Being I surgical nurse I was used to DOING the surgery... Not being on the table. I wish I did it years ago. Being pain free is indescribable. Now being at the point where I need my left done, I'm ready to do it ASAP. The technology has made amazing advances in giving us a pain free life.

—Guest RandiMichele

36 and need hip replacement!

I had my hip pinned when I was 8 years old and again when I was 20. My femur bone is so pours I am not a candidate for any other type of surgery except hip replacement. I'm scared - I haven't had children yet. The pain now had caused anxiety, depression, and low self esteem. Sounds like and easy choice just to go thru it ... Then why am I so scared?

—Guest Jen

When to know when it is time

I am 44 and have hip surgery schedule on April 30th and I don't know if I am making the right decision to have it. I can't tie my shoes or get my socks on without difficulty. I'm scared, but don't know if I should go through with the surgery. I am so young to have hip replacement surgery and I hope it helps, but I don't know if I should wait. With the surgery I am worried that I will have limitations after I get it done. I have been active all my life playing sports. Please help to make my decision to go through with it. I keep thinking that I am so young to get this done and that I probably will need another surgery down the road and if I wait longer will I affect my other hip and other parts of my body.

—Guest Liz

Don't know yet

I have OA in both of my hips. The left is painful when I get up and sometimes when driving. I can still
run without pain. I was told that I need to have THR but don't think that I am ready.

—Guest nvmy96cobra

rustof

I had one hip replacement a couple of years ago, totally successful. Ready for the second one whenever the surgeon can schedule me. Before the first one I was terrified, two weeks after the surgery was so happy to be released from the groin pain. I am 74, active and although not excited about being "on the table" the alternative...suffering pain, not being able to sleep etc., - I am ready.
I live in Toronto, Canada and have an excellent surgeon. I think the secret to having hip replacement is to go to a hospital that deals with replacement of hips and knees.
I have also had back surgery, successful, again at a hospital that only did backs.

—Guest frances rustom

Why did I wait?

I have had pain in my hip for years. I am only 56 yrs old. So, I thought it was due to my imagination, being overweight or inactivity. When my kids finally convinced me to see an orthopedic doctor, I had nothing left. It was so bad that even an injection would not help! 10 days later I was lying on the surgery table, wondering if I was doing the right thing. Well, I sure was because in less than 2 wks I am up moving around better than I had for years. I only have intermittent pain, mostly from doing too much! I am just so excited that I can move again that I forget that I have limit. As soon as the MD says you need one, get it done. FDR said way back in 1932, "You have nothing to fear but fear itself!" Well, this is one case where those words sure hold true! Don't wait! Get it done today!

—Guest Roxanne

I am NOT a candidate for THR

I have been told by one naturopath/chiropractor & a bone & joint specialist that I need a THR. I am in excruciating pain and have no quality of life, so I am looking for alternatives because I would NOT do well with this kind of surgery. I have done tons of research and I'd say about 75% have MORE problems after THR. I would definitely be in that group. I am obese, I smoke, I probably have heart disease, Lyme Disease, Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disc & Joint Disease,Dercum's Disease, a Bulging Disc, and probably a whole slew of *Other* diseases I've yet to discover. Truth is...I wouldn't even make it off the operating table, and from what I've read, not sure I'd want to. People minimize this surgery WAY too much, and I know it is a difficult recovery...IF you actually really DO recover. So I have already decided that I will somehow have to live and deal with this pain because I know I could not make it through that kind of surgery without complications. I KNOW me!!

—butusmama

Just do it!

I had my left hip replaced this past June and right in December> Dont live with the pain! Just do it! Driving, back to work, and best of all SLEEPING! Talk to people who have had the surgeon you pick and do everything they say. You"ll be glad!

—Guest Grammy G

I KNOW when it's time!

At the age of 40 I was diagnosed with AVN and over time was offered several options, most of which had a 40% or greater failure rate. I suffered until the age of 54 before I had a minimally invasive procedure and haven't looked back since. Please!! If you have had a replacement recommended, don't wait as I did-it's not worth the pain. I'm a critical care nurse, sole support for myself and regret all the years I suffered for no good reason other than I thought I had to until I could no longer stand it. I have a ceramic/ceramic bearing prosthesis that will likely out last me. I'm 58 and finally enjoying the life I should have had in my 40's. If you can find the finances to manage during your recovery, do it sooner rather than later. You won't regret it.

—Guest Donna K

I wish I had done this sooner...

I am a 46 year old mother of three children, the youngest being four. I have an artificial leg due to pffd. I have hip dysplasia in both hips, my "good" leg having the worst damage. My hip pain has become so severe that I am not able to stand long enough to unload dishwasher. My entire family has moved into the first floor of my mother's house, as our 115 year old home has two staircases. I went for evaluations by five different doctors, before finding one with the experience to handle my unique hip issues. I am scheduled to have my hip replacement on March 5th. It cannot come soon enough! My thoughts are with all here struggling to get back to our normal lives!

—Guest Cynner

hip replacement

I've had minor problem with my hip for 15 years. Used to jog, had to stop. 4 years ago some arthritis was found on my right hip joint, started glucosamine. 8 months ago I had surgery for herniated disc and thought this would solve all. But no. My quality of life is shot down. I can't walk very well, knee gives out, lots of pain after 50 meter. Can't do any house work. Not much really at all. My husband is a blessing. Will see a specialist in 3 weeks but am scared of the hip replacement suggested by my family doctor. I am unsure of debris from the different prosthesises. I read a lot online and have learned a lot, but some tales scare me. And so soon after other major surgery I'm reluctant but will go ahead since my back isn't recovering fully with this limping walking style. Life is boring these days. So I look forward to seeing the doc and hope the surgery can happen soon. I feel I have to take the bull by the horn and dive in. I'm 64 and female.

—krykos

Surgery Scheduled

I have Avascular Necrosis, and have exhausted all methods to take this pain away. I have cancelled surgery twice, because I couldn't go through with it at the last minute. I am still mobile, and my pain is constant but not unbearable. I have surgery scheduled again for January 17, I am at a crossroad. I just don't know what to do. There are pros! Like no more pain. But cons, possible lengthening, not being able to cross legs, can't bend over, can't sleep on sides,possible dislocation of implant. Does the good outway the bad? I feel I'm too young for this surgery.

—Guest Lin

Pre-Hip Surgery

I am scheduled to have hip replacement surgery on the 27th of this month. I'm not sure I'm ready. I have pain. But I am still pretty mobile. My pain is bearable and I'm just not sure. I'm 58 years old. I have seen 3 orthopedic surgeons with same diagnosis of Avascular Necrosis. Two said I need surgery and one says hold off as long as I can. Don't know what to do.

—Guest Linda

Right 4 weeks ago...Left in 2 weeks

I'm 47 and both hips were severely damaged by avascular necrosis. Had the right hip replaced 4 weeks ago and do not regret it! The only problem is a leg length discrepancy, that will be corrected with my next surgery in 2 weeks for the left hip. The right femoral head was completely collasped and the left is almost as damaged. I put up with severe, chronic pain for about 3 years because I thought I was too young, but when I finally got to where I couldn't sleep, sit, walk or enjoy life, I finally decided it was time to do something and am glad I did! Can't wait for the next 2 weeks to pass...I dread the surgery, but look forward to the relief from the pain!